DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND HERBAL PREPARATIONS AS A SUPPORT FOR PATIENTS WITH SOME TYPE OF ARTHRITIS
Results: Herbal preparations based on willow, red pepper and most recently, turmeric show potential in the treatment of arthritis. Dietary supplements as antioxidants (vitamins C and E, minerals zinc and selenium), chondroitin, glucosamine, collagen and hyaluronic acid also show positive effects. In addition, numerous food ingredients poses anti-inflammatory effects, such as acetylsalicylic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols and flavonoids. These research findings suggest that a proper food selection and menu planning, combined with some of the aforementioned could affect the symptoms and progression of the disease. Conclusion: Although medical treatment is still the first choice for people with arthritis, accumulating evidence supports the use of various dietary supplements and herbal preparations to alleviate symptoms of arthritis. Additionally, given that many foods contain ingredients with potent anti-inflammatory characteristics, proper food selection could add the additive effect and improve quality of life of people with arthritis.